Exploring Mens Intentions on Their Partners Participation in Breast Cancer Screening

Aim: The main aim of the study is to investigate the factors that influence men’s intention to support their partner’s participation in breast cancer screening using the modified Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Objectives:

1. To understand the factors influencing men’s intention to support their partner’s participation in breast cancer screening.

2. To assess the association of health literacy and knowledge on the attitude and subjective norms towards breast cancer screening intentions.

Justification for study:

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in India, responsible for 13.5% of new cancer cases and 10% of cancer-related deaths in 2020.  Women’s decision to undergo screening often depends on their husbands’ or partners’ opinions, particularly in low-middle-income countries (LMlCs) like India. Men play significant roles in their partner’s health, ranging from joint decision-making or granting permission to providing financial support and transportation. Given the importance of men’s role in the promotion of breast cancer screening, it is crucial to identify the factors that determine their support for screening. This study aims to fill the gap by understanding the determinants of men’s support for breast cancer screening using modified Theory of Planned Behavior. It will address factors such as knowledge about breast cancer and screening, attitude, subjective norms, perceived barriers, and other factors such as personal habits and health literacy, which may influence health-related support behaviors.

Detailed description of procedure/processes:

This study will adopt a cross-sectional study design utilizing a survey method. The study protocol will be submitted for approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC).

A pre-validated structured questionnaire, consisting of Likert scale items, is developed to measure various aspects related to the study, such as demographics, knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and screening, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived barriers, health habits, health literacy, and intentions to support partners’ participation in breast cancer screening. Participants will be recruited via convenience sampling and contacted through social media platforms and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, SMS, and email. Primary respondents will be encouraged to share the survey with their contacts (secondary respondents). Eligible participants will be men aged 21 years and above who consent to participate. Detailed information about the study, including its objectives, procedures, and potential risks and benefits, will be provided to all participants. Those who agree to participate will receive a link to the survey, hosted as a Google Form. The first page of the survey will include a consent form detailing the study. Only those who provide informed consent will complete the questionnaire. Data collected will be self-reported and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, with Jamovi software used for analysis.

Benefits: The study will help identify key factors influencing men’s intentions to support their partner’s breast cancer screening and understand the role of health literacy and knowledge in shaping men’s attitudes and beliefs towards breast cancer screening.